The cancellation of the controversial team-orders rule is one of the key changes to the 2011 Formula One regulations revealed by the FIA on Friday.
However, the FIA has reminded teams that Article 151c--concerning bringing the sport into disrepute--could still be used. In other words, a move like that made by Ferrari last year in Germany, which caused a public outcry, could still be investigated.
The FIA has approved a number of other changes to the 2011 regulations, many involving penalties and their application, although some have yet to be fully clarified. Among them is a stricter control on flexible front wings via better deflection tests, while the safety-car rules have been addressed once more. Further detail is expected at a later date.
The changes outlined are as follows:
-- The article forbidding team orders (39.1) is deleted. Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions
-- Amendments to the list of penalties stewards are permitted to apply
-- Revisions to driving and driver conduct
-- A limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits
-- The introduction of a regulation permitting the race director to close the pit lane during a race for safety reasons
-- The re-introduction of intermediate tires for 2011
-- Penalties to be applied to any driver who fails to use both specification of dry-weather tire during the race
-- An amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races, instead of four
-- Clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car
-- A refinement to the principles of the regulations already agreed concerning moveable rear wings
-- A better definition of the reference plane, and reinforcement of bodywork deflection tests, especially at the front of the reference plane
-- The allowance for anti-intrusion panels to protect drivers' legs
In addition, the following amendments were made to the 2012 Technical Regulations:
-- Team communications will be made available to broadcasters
-- The inclusion of fuel compounds produced from biomass
-- A limitation on suspension uprights


Read more: Formula One: FIA abandons team-orders rule for the 2011 season - AutoWeek Magazine